Van Buren approves tobacco ban in parks

VAN BUREN — The City Council has passed an ordinance banning smoking in the city’s parks.

The ordinance, which went into effect upon its passage Tuesday, prohibits the use of all tobacco products plus e-cigarettes and vaping products from the city’s six parks.

City Planning Director Joe Hurst said tobacco use also will be banned from the city’s newest park, Freedom Park, when it is dedicated Friday.

“The purpose of this ordinance is to preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare by prohibiting smoking and other tobacco use in city parks,” a portion of the ordinance said.

Excluded from the ban, Hurst said, will be property leased by the city to Cedars Golf Course and Country Club, Van Buren Boys and Girls Club, marina property “and any other property currently under lease with the city wherein the lease does not specify that tobacco products are not to be used on the property.”

The parks under the ban are Mr. Chad and Betty Ann Colley Wilderness Park, Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park, Field of Dreams Sports Complex, Mike Meyers Park and Van Zandt Park.

Anyone convicted of violating the ban will be liable for a $25 fine for a first offense, $50 for a second offense, $100 for a third offense and $250 for a subsequent offense, the ordinance said.